South Carolina has become the most popular state to move to in 2024, according to U-Haul’s annual growth index.
The state overtook Texas, which had dominated the top spot for several years, signaling a notable shift in migration patterns.
U-Haul based its ranking on more than 2.5 million annual one-way truck, trailer and moving container transactions.
The company determined the rankings by measuring the net gain or loss of customers using its equipment for each state.
While Texas maintained a high ranking, South Carolina earned the top spot with 51.7 percent of U-Haul transactions in the state involving arrivals.
U-Haul reported that Texas has consistently ranked first or second since 2016, and Florida has ranked in the top four every year since 2015.
JT Taylor, president of U-Haul International, noted that the 2024 data highlights long-standing migration trends.
“Families continue to move to the Southeast and Southwest as they prioritize cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life and other factors,” Taylor said .
South Carolina became the most popular state to move to, surpassing Texas, which had dominated for several years.
Texas has maintained a strong position, consistently placing first or second since 2016. Florida has remained in the top four since 2015.
“At the same time, many people are leaving the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast, particularly California. »
Taylor also highlighted U-Haul’s commitment to serving customers wherever they move.
“We are expanding our network, rental fleet and self-storage options to ensure we are ready to meet moving needs in 2025,” he said.
Migration to Southern states aligns with findings from the National Association of Realtors, which observed similar trends in 2023.
Surprisingly, only 1 percent of people who moved south cited weather as the reason for their move.
Instead, 42 percent moved for housing-related reasons, 26 percent for family reasons and 16 percent for job opportunities.
North Carolina ranks third among the most popular states to move to, as it welcomed 126,712 new residents in 2023.
Florida and Tennessee were close behind the Tar Heel State.
With 51.7% of U-Haul transactions being arrivals, South Carolina secured the top spot.
Only 1 percent cited climate as a factor in moving south, while 42 percent moved for housing reasons, 26 percent for family reasons and 16 percent for work.
The Sunshine State saw a net influx of 372,870 people last year, while 75,000 people went to Tennessee, according to the report, which analyzed U.S. Census data.
DailyMail.com recently revealed that Arkansas surprisingly attracted the most newcomers in 2024.
“We have one of the lowest costs of living in America,” said real estate agent Heather Keenen, who is based in the state.
“Add to that tax cuts and low crime rates, and we continue to see a daily influx. »
Bentonville in northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart’s headquarters, is seeing a particular influx, Keenan pointed out.
“People flock to places that have a strong job market and affordable prices – but also more space, fantastic food and a hospitable culture,” she said. “Here in Northwest Arkansas, we certainly have it all going for us.”
The common narrative that Americans are moving south often focuses on seeking warmer weather and sunnier skies, but the reality is more nuanced.
But the national housing crisis played a significant role in these movements.
Pictured: Aerial drone view of Greenville, South Carolina
Pictured: Aerial view of Fort Worth, Texas
Between 1995 and 2023, median household income increased 2.3 times, from $34,076 to $80,610 per year.
However, during the same period, the median home sales price increased 3.4 times, from $114,600 to $389,800, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
This disparity has caused many Americans to exit the housing market, with the average age of homebuyers rising to 56 in 2023, up from 49 the year before.
Rising housing prices, combined with historically high mortgage rates, have created a perfect storm of housing inaffordability.
Despite these challenges, affordable housing options remain available, primarily in the American South.